Türk expresses concern over JAAC ban, internet restrictions, deaths linked to protests in Azad Jammu and Kashmir
Volker Türk, United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights. Photo: AFP
UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk on Friday appealed for calm in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) and called for meaningful and inclusive political dialogue to resolve underlying issues amid a wave of unrest in the run-up to the region’s parliamentary elections later this month.
His call comes as the situation in AJK remains tense after the government banned the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC), the group leading the protests, under anti-terrorism laws. The JAAC continued its sit-in and vowed to maintain the protest until its “legitimate demands” were met.
Several demonstrators and members of the police have been killed during clashes since June, in the run-up to the legislative elections scheduled for July 27.
Read: AJK seeks additional federal forces
Türk called for prompt, thorough and impartial investigations into all unrest-related deaths, including those of protesters and security personnel.
@volker_turk calls for calm in Pakistan-administered #Kashmir amid recent unrest ahead of regional elections later this month.
Prompt, thorough and impartial investigations into all the deaths of dozens of protesters and security personnel must be carried out.… pic.twitter.com/qdwX0KxVFC
– UN Human Rights (@UNHumanRights) July 17, 2026
The UN rights chief also expressed concern over the JAAC ban under anti-terrorism laws, saying criminalizing a civil society organization and imposing strict restrictions on public gatherings raised serious concerns about possible violations of the rights to freedom of expression, peaceful assembly and association.
He also called for detained JAAC leaders to have access to legal representation and their families, stressing that their rights to due process and fair trial must be fully guaranteed.
Türk also expressed concern about restrictions on internet access in the region, saying they disproportionately restricted the right to freedom of expression, including the freedom to seek, receive and communicate information, at a time of heightened tensions.
“We urge the authorities to guarantee full access to the Internet throughout the territory,” he said.
The UN rights chief also reiterated his call for meaningful and inclusive political dialogue to address the grievances and concerns of the local population.
Background
The recent unrest and deadly clashes broke out in certain areas, notably in Rawalakot, where the JAAC had organized a sit-in in front of the Rawalakot Combined Military Hospital. AJK police say armed JAAC members opened fire on security forces deployed during a planned attack, leaving four people dead and around 20 injured. The JAAC, however, disputes this version, saying that security forces used tear gas and fired shells towards the hospital.
According to the AJK Police, three individuals linked to the JAAC and four law enforcement personnel were killed during the protests. The JAAC, however, said in a statement that seven people were killed and dozens injured when street shootings took place in the dark after the electricity was reportedly cut off.
The clash occurred as the AJK government and JAAC witnessed a face-off with the election date for AJK being announced for July 27.
Learn more: Some elements seeking to create instability within AJK despite repeated offers for dialogue: Rana Sanaullah
The 53-member AJK Legislative Assembly has 12 seats reserved for Kashmiri refugees, people who fled Indian-controlled Kashmir in 1947 and 1965 and are now scattered across Pakistan. Six seats represent refugees from the Jammu division (~434,000 people) and six from the Kashmir Valley (~30,000 people) – an already lopsided arrangement that many see as unfair.
The region experienced one of its most turbulent periods in October last year, when JAAC-led protests erupted demanding constitutional and governance reforms. At least nine people, including three police officers, were killed during the unrest.
The JAAC, which organized the protests and strike, had presented a broad charter of demands, including an end to the privileges enjoyed by the ruling elite, the removal of 12 assembly seats reserved for refugees and the abolition of the quota system.
Two days after the violence, the government and the JAAC reached an agreement on 12 basic points and 13 additional points. Under the agreement, both sides agreed to constitute a high-level committee to look into the issue of refugee seats in the AJK Legislative Assembly.
